First Test: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

[Merc1]

Mercedes-Benz Aims for On-Road Refinement, Mostly Hits Mark and 0-to-60 in 6.6 sec.

The hills and canyons above Malibu are a well-known playground for automotive enthusiasts. Warm weather and spectacular views make for a wonderful Sunday afternoon cruise, while winding roads and sparse traffic create a driver's playground. Expensive sports cars are routinely seen here testing their limits, but soon visitors may well spot the new Mercedes-Benz GLK350 compact SUV attacking the turns with them.

Last year, Motor Trend garnered an exclusive first drive of the all-new GLK350 in the mountains of Spain, followed by another drive across Germany's autobahn. Both experiences impressed, but we couldn't help but wonder where this new cute ute will slot into the luxury SUV market. Now that we've conducted a thorough instrumented test, though, we have an answer.

Few Mercedes-Benz owners in the U.S. ever take their vehicles off-road, a reality the German automaker not only realizes but embraces. Thus, the GLK is targeted at affluent women -- and it appears Mercedes has hit its mark. This baby Benz has clearly been refined for the on-road market.

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[cawimmer430]

I saw a white GLK350 just like this one today. It looks awesome. I think that color just suits the GLK best.

 

[Tarek]

^I saw a dark blue one with those gorgeous 20 inchers and damn it was such a hot scene